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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Records Over 10,000 Cases Of Domestic , Sexual Violence In 3 Years’

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Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has handled 10,007 cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence involving Men, Women and Children from May 2019 to August 2021. The Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure at a Media Parley organised to give account of the performance of DSVRT in commemoration of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month at Alausa, Ikeja. He noted, against the backdrop of rising cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence, incessant Child abuse.  Hence the need to continuously prosecute perpetrators in the state. “Between the period, May 2019 to August 2021, 4150 Domestic Violence, 177 Rape, 255 Attempt to commit rape/Sexual Assault, 246 Sexual Assault by penetration/Threat, 877 Others (Separation, Not taking responsibilities of  child(ren)Neglect, custody of the child, Non-GBV, 436 Child Abuse/Physical Assault, 271 Defilement cases, 13 Defilement by Minor to Minor , 454  Child Labour, Abduction Neglect/Others, 148 Sexual Harassment/Molestation cases were handled by the state through the Domestic Violence and Sexual Response Team (DSVRT)”, Onigbanjo said. The Commissioner added that, Since May 2019 the DSVRT received about 150 new cases monthly, saying that the state also witnessed an increase in reporting of cases from other States, mostly from Ogun and Oyo State. “In the past 2 years, a total of 526 cases occurred outside Lagos. Such cases are promptly referred to the relevant agencies in their respective States”, He noted Onigbanjo also stated that a total of 2980 children have experienced emotional abuse and have been taken through counseling programs to ensure they fit in back to the society without a negative psychological impact on them. In his words, “ The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team which was  conceived in September 2014 is in alignment with the “THEMES” Agenda of Governor Sanwo-olu’s led administration, particularly, the pillars of Health, Education, Security and Good Governance”. “By virtue of the Team’s various initiatives, as well as the zero tolerance declared in the state, DSVRT has continued to see a steady increase of formal reportage of cases in the state”. The Commissioner noted that the notable achievement’s of the Ministry of Justice stems from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) which has secured over 365 convictions for various Sexual offenses, including Rape, Defilement, Sexual Assault by Penetration and Sexual Assault” said Onigbanjo. He added, To ensure that survivors/ victims are able to access care at all levels, the Team partnered with Ford Foundation in building capacity of designated and pilot private hospitals in order to provide sexual assault management services to survivors which is located across the metropolis. Onigbanjo said, the DSVRT Team also partnered with various institutions such as the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Joint European Union Funded Spotlight Initiative, The King’s Club Project amongst others in a bid to proffer better solutions to curb this menace and promote the awareness of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the state. While speaking on the outlined activities to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Chairman DSVRT, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo stated, that the awareness would run for a month with a launch of #TeamAlausaPurpleCampaign, a community engagement with proposed route of Iba/Ipaja in view of the numbers of cases being reported in 2years and also a day set aside for Safeguarding and Child Protection Day while ending the month long program with a Commendation Night.

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Lagos Mobile Court Warns Motorists against Violation of Traffic Laws

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The Lagos State Special  Offences (Mobile) Court has warned recalcitrant motorists fond of violating the traffic law of the State to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the Law. The Coordinator, Special  Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during a road show to create public awareness and sensitize residents on the importance of obeying the State traffic law . She noted that driving against traffic and plying  designated (BRT) Corridors and obstruction of vehicular movement on the highway contravenes the Lagos State Transport Reformed Law, 2018 and is punishable under the law. “All motorists, including private car owners, are hereby warned to henceforth desist from all forms of traffic obstructions, driving against traffic (one-way) and plying  BRT corridors,” Ogbara said. “It is disheartening to observe that recalcitrant commercial bus drivers and private car owners are in the habit of disobeying all road signs and signals in contravention of the traffic law thereby causing an impediment to free vehicular traffic across the State.” While highlighting the role of ‘Transportation and Traffic Management’ in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, Ogbara said Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court was created by the State Government to prosecute minor offences especially, those committed by traffic offenders. She stated that “the Mobile Court has deemed it necessary to sensitize members of the public on the State’s Zero tolerance to violation of traffic laws.” The Coordinator, however, enjoined the public to partner with the Lagos State Government towards ensuring the free flow of traffic on Lagos roads and the protection of lives and properties. Kayode Oyekanmi  Director, Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 20th August 2021

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Lagos Conducts Over 158 Forensic Investigations on Crime, 437 Paternity Related Issues

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… Holds Virtual 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium The Lagos State Government has said its Forensic Centre has conducted about 158 crime scenes investigation and also investigated 437 cases involving paternity associated with child support and inheritance. Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure on Tuesday during the virtual 5th Edition of Lagos Forensic Symposium hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre and ITSI – Biosciences LLC, Johnstown, PA USA. While speaking on the importance of Forensic Science, the Commissioner noted that introduction of Forensic Science to Criminal Justice Administration has enhanced police investigations, and facilitated speedy identification and conviction of perpetrators of crime and also helped in the exoneration of innocent persons. “Lagos State Government recognizes the importance of forensic analysis, which led to  the establishment of  Lagos State DNA & Forensic Center (LSD&FC)  to support investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies,” Onigbanjo noted.  He added that “the Center was commissioned in September 2017 while the Lagos State Forensic Biology/DNA unit and the DNA Database and Matching system attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation in February 2019.” Onigbanjo noted that the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020 had a negative impact on the DNA and Forensic Centre after it was attacked  and the complex  extensively damaged by a Mob alongside other public and private properties in Lagos State. He assured Lagosians that rebuilding of the Centre remains a top priority of  Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s administration. The Attorney-General noted that the 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium will provide up-to-date information on how forensic science is  applied in criminal investigations, law enforcement,  mass fatalities, sexual assault, wildlife trafficking and other related matters in Lagos State. Onigbanjo added, “the annual Forensic Symposium is targeted at Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers, Law makers, Police Investigators, Forensic pathologist/scientists, Medical practitioners, Emergency responders, students, NGOs and Investigative Journalists. kayode Oyekanmi  Director Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 11th August 2021

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Federal High Court Declines Requests to Stop Local Government Elections in Lagos

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A Federal High Court Ikoyi has refused requests by 11 political parties to halt the holding of the Chairmen and Councillors election into the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State. Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko made the decision in a ruling delivered this morning, 23rd July 2021 in Suit No FHC/L/CS/596/2021 which was filed by the Alliance of Social Democrats & 10 Other Political Parties against Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and Lagos State Government. Justice Aluko in the ruling upheld the submissions of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the Lagos State Government. The Court declined jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit seeking to stop the conduct of the election coming up tomorrow 24th July 2021. In a similar development, the above decision of the Court was also upheld in another matter filed by the Youth Party against LASIEC & Another in Suit No FHC/L/CS/625/2021. The Court not only declined jurisdiction but vacated the Interim Order of Injunction earlier granted in the matter on the 12th July 2021. In view of the above, the elections in to the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the Lagos State will hold on Saturday, 24th July, 2021 as earlier scheduled. Members of the public are therefore advised to peacefully exercise their franchise by ensuring that they come out to vote and abide by the guidelines of LASIEC. Kayode OyekanmiDirector, Public AffairsMinistry of Justice23rd July 2021

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LASG Hands Over New Temporary Court Complex at Osborne to Judiciary

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…to replace burnt Igbosere High court Lagos State Government on Thursday, handed over a new temporary Court complex at Osborne to the Judiciary to replace burnt Igbosere High Court. Recall that Governor Sanwo-olu promised to relocate the Igbosere High Court which was burnt in October 2020 during the EndSARS protest to a property located in Ikoyi. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN said the Court complex is a temporary relocation while awaiting the rebuilding of the burnt Igbosere High Court Complex into a modern and sofisticated Courthouse. He added that the temporary Court complex consists of 8 Court rooms with equal  number of Judges’ Chambers,  Secretary’s office, Registrar’s office, General office for administrative staff, restrooms on each floor, Canteen, litigants’ room, and an office for the Chief Judge. The Attorney-General noted that the new temporary Court complex is equipped with the latest technology to enhance digital recording of Court proceedings. “In fulfillment of Sanwo-olu’s administration promise on the digitalization of court rooms in Lagos State, the temporary Courthouse is equipped with up-to-date technology,” Onigbanjo said. While handing over the Court complex, the Attorney-General implored the Judiciary to make maximum use of the Court House for the benefit of residents of Lagos State. In receiving the new temporary Court complex, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, appreciated the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu for his timely response to the challenge of the burnt Igbosere Courthouse by providing a replacement. He added that this temporary arrangement  will ease the trauma experienced by the Judiciary after the Igbosere High Court got burnt during the EndSars protest in October 2020. “The edifice will be a relief to the Judges whose properties got burnt during the End SARS protest which was quite traumatic because they are used to working and not being idle for a long period of time” Alogba said. The Chief Judge disclosed that Court sittings will be at 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday inorder to ensure the safety of the Judges and residents of Osborne Estate, Ikoyi. He commended agencies of the State government that assisted in the timely completion of the temporary Courthouse project. Noting that with today’s handing over of the Court house, speedy dispensation of justice in the State will be enhanced. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Justice 1st July 2021

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LASG Arraigns Pastor for Alleged Landgrabbing, Forgery

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The Lagos State Government on Friday 25th June 2021, arraigned one Rev. Godwin C. Godwin before a Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi over alleged forging of documents and illegal sale of a plot of Land at Lekki Scheme1 area of the State. Rev. Godwin C. Godwin, a Pastor at Christ Salvation Divine Ministries International, was arraigned on a six-count charge by the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers. He is alleged to have illegally sold the plot of Land belonging to one Mrs. Halima Abdul – Malik situated at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State before his arrest on Thursday, June 24th, 2021 and subsequent arraignment. According to the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers, Owolabi Arole, Rev Godwin was arrested following the investigation of a petition against him by the Law Office of Paul Onyeka & Co, Legal Practitioner on behalf of 83year old, ailing Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik. He said, ” The Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers arraigned Rev. Godwin on a six- count charge before Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi on Friday after detailed investigation on the Landgrabbing matter between the two parties “. Among the six -count charge are:  One, Rev. Godwin and others in month of May – June 2021 at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki  Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos conspired to commit felony contrary to section 411 Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.  Two, He resorted to self-help in the recovery of possession and engaged in acts inconsistent with Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik proprietary right contrary section section 2(2) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  Three, Rev Godwin is accused of threat of violence in the recovery of possession of landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik contrary to section 3 (1) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  While in Count four and five, the defendant is accused of illegal sale of land belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik and fraudulently converting the sum of Two Hundred and Thirty Million Naira  being proceeds from the sale, to personal use.  Contrary to section 8 (1) Lagos State Properties Law 2016 and section 280 (1b) Lagos State Criminal Justice Law 2015. In count six, the defendant is accused of forcefully entering into landed property and maliciously destroying the gate and fence of the landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik. Rev Godwin pleaded not guilty, while his Counsel applied to the court to grant him bail in most liberal terms. The Counsel argued that the offences for which their clients were charged are bailable, and that they were ready to defend the case. The Prosecutor, Mrs Ruqayat Shomade, a State Counsel with Lagos State Special TaskForce on Land Grabbers,  Ministry of Justice did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions which would make the defendant available for trial. In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N25 million Naira with  two sureties who must be resident in Lagos State, and one of the sureties must be a land owner in the State, while the other must be at least a grade level 8 Public Servant or a Manager in a reputable company   The sureties must  also have 3 years tax clearance and registration with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA). The matter was adjourned to 22nd July, 2021. Kayode Oyekanmi  Director Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 28th June, 2021

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Lagos Court Sentences Trader to 25 Years Imprisonment for Rape

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A Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, on Friday, 25th June, 2021 sentenced a 43year old trader, Adelaja Oloyede, to 25 years imprisonment for raping a tailor at Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Justice Abiola Soladoye delivered the judgement in suit no ID/8849C/19 between the State of Lagos vs Adelaja Oloyede. The defendant was earlier arraigned on 10th of April, 2019  by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions,  Lagos State Ministry of Justice on a one- count charge of rape. Adelaja Oloyede who pleaded not guilty committed the crime of rape in 2017 at his residence on No. 2, Adelaja Str. Ikorodu, Lagos . The Prosecuting team led by Olusola Soneye, a deputy director in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions said the victim, apart from being raped was sexually harrassed and coaxed to insert some fetish substance into her private part. He added that the victim who was a virgin before the incident pleaded with the defendant during the rape incident, but her plea fell on deaf ears. ” The defendant overpowered her, tore her underwear and raped her. As a result of the rape the victim fell ill and was treated in Kwara State”, Prosecuting Counsel, Olusola noted.  The Prosecuting team presented before the court four Witnesses; the victim, her sister, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and a Medical doctor. The Prosecution also tendered the victim’s blood- stained underwear and a black- tie as exhibits to the Court. According to the victim, the defendant, forcefully had sexual intercourse with her and inserted a fetish substance in her private part afterwards. “I was on my way to church on the day of the incident, Oloyede shook my hands and thereafter I followed him to his house, where he led me into a room where there was numerous fetish items” “He asked me to kneel and he made several incantations” the victim explained. The victim told the court that she reported the crime to the authorities immediately after she left the defendant’s residence. Justice Abiola Soladoye found the defendant guilty of the charge of rape contrary to section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. She said that the Prosecution team had proved its case against the defendant beyond all reasonable doubts. Consequently, the defendant having been found guilty of the charge of  rape was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Court. The Judge further ordered that Oloyede Adelaja should be registered as a Sex Offender in the Lagos State Sex Offender’s Register.

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LASG Free Legal Consultation Exercise puts Smile on the Faces of Badagry Residents

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on Thursday,  extended its free legal consultations to the residents of Badagry community as part of a statewide free legal clinic exercise. According to the Deputy Director, Office of the Administrator General and Public Trustee (AG & PT), Mr Femi Alabi, the joint legal clinic is an initiative of the Ministry of Justice to bring qualitative legal consultation and advice  to the people.  He stated that the initiative is in tandem with the “S” in the “THEMES” agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu which aims to ensure security of lives and properties as well as good governance to Lagosians irrespective of social class or status. Mr. Alabi added that the joint legal clinic comprises all legal service oriented directorates and agencies of the ministry which includes; Office of Public Defender (OPD), Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Public Advice Centre (PAC), Community Service Unit, Office of the Administrator-Generral & Public Trustee (AG&PT), Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR) and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), with team members of the listed directorates on ground at the auditorium of the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajara, venue of today’s  exercise. The deputy director noted that the free legal clinic had earlier been held in 3 divisions of the  State, namely: Ikorodu Epe and Alimosho. The exercise which aims to provide free and easy  access to legal consultations for the vulnerable members of the society. On his part, the Council Vice Chairman, Mr. Akotomeh Andrew, who represented the Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Hon. Onilude Adeniran, extended his appreciation to both the State Government and the management of the Ministry for not only conceptualising and initiating the exercise but for its bold steps in  taking it the legal clinic to the nooks and crannies of the State. He urged the residents of Badagry to take full advantage of the legal services provided by the Ministry of Justice in order to ensure seamless alternative dispute resolution, easy dispensation of justice,  and peaceful co-existence among the people of Badagry.

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Lagos Solicitor- General Inaugurates MOJ Project Management Team

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The Solicitor -General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey on Tuesday constituted the Project Management Team to manage the execution of Capital Projects  in Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The Project Management Team was inaugurated in line with the Head of Service Circular dated 21st April, 2021 on Establishment and Composition of Project Management Team and in compliance with Section 28 Sub (1) of Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2021. While inaugurating the MOJ Nine- member Project Management Team, the SG/PS noted that the team will be responsible for the overall decision on projects in compliance with business and  ministerial responsibilities and the needs of the Ministry. The Nine- member Project Management Team for the ministry include, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director, Administration & Human Resources, Adebimpe Adedipe, Director, Commercial Law, Kehinde Taiwo; Head, Planning ,Iretiola Ajayi,  Director, Procurement,  Abiodun Bisiriyu, Assistant Chief Planning Officer (CMC), Ogunbadejo Bamidele, Assistant Chief Architect, Arc. Abimbola Ashiru (Ministry of Works and Infrastructure), Chief Procurement Officer, Erisan Abosede Olapeju and Assistant  Director Planning Lagos State Judiciary, Oyekanmi Oladele.

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530 Inmates Take Advantage of Plea Bargain In Lagos

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…as LASG takes plea bargain session to Kirikiri 530 inmates in Correctional Centres in Lagos State have so far taken advantage of the Plea Bargain protocol since it was introduced in the State in 2017. The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney- General, Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, made the disclosure at the Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre in Lagos where he led officials of the ministry to a Plea & Sentence Bargain  sensitisation session for Awaiting Trial  Inmates. Onigbanjo said the process which is aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in Lagos State is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s reform initiative in  the administration of criminal justice in the State. The Attorney General explained that the Plea & Sentence Bargain process which is in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the National Correctional Centre, the State Judiciary and the Lagos State Police Command will assist in efforts geared towards reducing the population of inmates awaiting trials in Correctional facilities in the State. He noted that the Plea Bargain option is aimed at Prison decongestion and not a ploy to compel inmates to plead guilty to lesser Charges. Onigbanjo said the severity of the offence, length of sentences and acceptance or rejection of the offers by the Judge are major determinants in a Plea Bargain process. He stated that 27 inmates in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre – 16 male and 11 females are beneficiaries of Thursday’s Plea Bargain session that will be replicated at the Ikoyi and Badagary Correctional Centres in Lagos State. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey earlier in her welcome address, explained that the Plea Bargain process is in compliance with the Lagos State Justice Law 2015 and a testament to the State Government’s commitment to a robust  Administration of Criminal  Justice in the State. “We are here to correct the impression, that Plea Bargain is for the rich alone.  It is for everyone whether they are literate or illiterate, rich or poor,” Shitta-Bey said. The Controller of  Lagos State Command, Nigeria Correctional Centre, Adewale Adebisi said,  inmates congestion is the major challenge in all Correctional facilities in the state. According to him; the Centres are struggling to cope with the congestion caused by 6,000 inmates standing trials. He noted that some of the inmates in Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Correctional Centres have been in custody for 10 to 12 years without trial or conviction. He urged inmates who have been standing trial for a long time to consider the Plea Bargain option.

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